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The Big Sleep (1946)
What Genre Is It? Noir/Crime Why Watch The Big Sleep? Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) finds himself caught in the midst of blackmail, murder, love, and mystery in this classic Noir. When asked by General Sternwood to investigate a blackmail case involving his youngest daughter, Carmen Sternwood, Philip Marlowe thought the case routine. However, after the blackmailer is murdered, Marlowe is baffled—even more so when the body just disappears. There are only two clues– both in the blackmailer’s living room: a statue with a hidden camera (but no film) and a clueless Carmen who was in the room when the murder happened (but not in a clear state of mind). The…
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The Birds (1963)
What Genre Is It? Thriller Why Watch The Birds? The Birds is a fascinating story of intrigue, mystery, love, and secrets. When Melanie Daniels meets Mitch Brenner in a pet shop, she is both irritated and curious about this dashing man who seems to know so much about her. Hoping to cross paths with him again, she decides to purchase the love birds he was looking for and deliver them to his house in Bodega Bay. Little did she realize, the chaotic, bizarre events that would follow. After Melanie arrives in Bodega Bay, strange bird encounters begin. Birds start attacking the school, village, and farms. No one knows why the…
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Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Guess who’s back for more laughs and spooks in this classic twist on the invisible man? What Genre is it? Burlesque Comedy Definition of Burlesque Comedy A burlesque form of comedy is when a story mocks a subject or when a particular subject is presented in an ironic, over-exaggerated way. Abbott and Costello do this style of comedy very well. They usually have fast dialogue with one in the duo playing the straight man and the other the comic. Why Watch Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man? After graduating from Dugan’s Detective Training course, Abbott and Costello open their own private eye practice. Everything is going great. Until, the…
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Midnight Lace (1960)
What Genre is it? Mystery/Thriller Starring Doris Day, Rex Harrison, and Myrna Loy, Midnight Lace is not your typical Doris Day film. Suspense, intrigue, lies, and deception lace this Mystery/Thriller. Why Watch Midnight Lace? Kit Preston (Day) loves her husband Anthony Preston (Harrison). Everything about this couple’s life seems ideal. Anthony’s business endeavors have been very successful according to business partners, and Kit’s fallen in love with her new home in foggy London. Until one day when the unexpected sends Kit into a dizzy spiral of confusion. While walking home, a voice in the park threatens her and shatters her seemingly perfect world. Worse yet, even at home, Kit is not safe.…
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Rebecca (1940)
What Genre is it? Mystery/Romance Why Watch Rebecca? A Hitchcock masterpiece, Rebecca tells the tale of a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who falls in love with a troubled widower Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). Far and wide, the de Winter name is famously associated with the gorgeous Manderley estate. It is only natural that after the young woman and Maxim marry, they are eager to return to Manderley; that is until the house comes into view. Dread and foreboding seem to wait for the happy couple. The well-kept gardens, intricate architecture, and ocean view are not all that encompass Manderley. Secrets of the first Mrs. de Winter, who died the…
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Come September (1961)
What Genre is it? Romantic Comedy Why Watch Come September? We can’t finish September’s movie recommendations without featuring Come September. In addition to combining the talented Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida, this film has an unusual comical plot and an entrancing Italian setting. From banana peels to chicken feathers, this film has it all! Set along the Italian Riviera, this film showcases what happens when Robert, a handsome American tycoon (Rock Hudson), falls in love with Lisa, a gorgeous Italian (Gina Lollobrigida). The only problem is Robert thinks meeting his girlfriend once a year in September is enough to keep their romance alive. Marriage is not on his radar. However,…
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The Long, Long Trailer (1953)
What is the Genre? Comedy Calling all I Love Lucy fans, this film is for you! Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz team up in this hilarious newlywed, road-trip comedy. If anyone’s honeymoon was going to be slightly unconventional and filled with laughter and tears, it would be Lucy and Desi’s. Why Watch The Long, Long Trailer? The Long, Long Trailer (1953) makes for a wonderful summer film. It has a comical cast including not only the leading couple of comedy, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, but also familiar faces such as Marjorie Main, Gladys Hurlbut, Keenan Wynn, and Howard McNear to list a few. With comical talent like the above,…
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Top 10 Doris Day Movies
Who is considered one of the most peppy, fun-loving, and cheerful female actresses of all time? If you said Doris Day, you’re probably right. Doris Day entranced audiences with her girl-next door persona in musicals, comedies, and dramas from 1948-1968. Since Doris Day appeared in 39 films, it’s difficult to compile a list of the top 10 favorite Doris Day films. There are many films not mentioned below that are also fan favorites. Keep watching the blog for more information about Day’s other films. Also, for full reviews on the films listed below, keep checking the Movie Review tab. 10. It Happened to Jane (1959) Starring Doris Day, Jack Lemmon,…
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Sabrina (1954)
What is the Genre? Romance/Comedy Romantic comedies are some of my favorite films. I love seeing stories where the main characters go through comical situations before discovering true love. Sabrina is one of the most endearing films of this genre. Whether needing a refreshing film for a hot summer day or a cozy movie for a cold winter night, romantic comedies are always good to have close by. Why watch Sabrina? Sabrina has an all-star cast including Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden; three of Hollywood’s best stars during this period. In addition, to talented actors, this film tells an endearing, timeless story. Sabrina is about a chauffeur’s daughter…
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Welcome to the Drive-In Classics Blog!
Here you can read film reviews about classic movies ranging from the early 1930s up until the late 1960s. There are also blog posts with film list recommendations to help you discover more movie titles based upon season, holiday, and theme. Occasionally, there will be actor tribute articles and classic film trivia games to see how well you know your classic films, actors, plots, and fictional characters. So, grab a vanilla milkshake, cozy up on the couch with a kitty, and escape to the world of vintage through these classic movie recommendations. Oh, for the true drive-in experience don’t forget the butter and popcorn! If you smile at the following,…
